It’s two in the afternoon, you can feel your eyes drooping as thoughts of your warm, soft bed enter your mind. However, the day’s to-do list quickly pushes away any possibility of a mid-day nap. You sigh, focus your mind, and get back to the next task.

Fast forward 12 hours. It’s two in the morning and your eyes feel like they’ll never close. As you lie in bed, thoughts of the long and exhausting day are less than soothing. Despite persistent efforts to count sheep or relax, your body remains awake

Day after day you push on, exhaustion pulling at your muscles and joints. If this is a common occurrence, you may be experiencing insomnia. Sleep plays an important role in the regenerative and protective aspects of your health. Those who suffer from insomnia are often at a disadvantage when it comes to preventing other illnesses. That is why we are giving you our 5 easy tips to avoid insomnia and feel prepared for the next day.

1. Set a schedule and stick to it

Following a schedule trains your body to wake up and fall sleep at the right time. The more consistent you are with your schedule the easier it will be for your body to get enough rest at night.

2. Watch what you eat and drink

If you want to battle insomnia, you are going to need all your facilities ready. That means eating well in order to sleep well. Don’t eat right before bed and make sure the rest of your meals are balanced throughout the day. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants. Many of these take hours to leave your body and continue to stimulate the brain late at night.

3. Put down the electronics

Light plays a huge role in engaging the mind. Even if it’s just a small device, the light will inform your brain that it is not quite time to fall asleep yet. Also, avoid watching TV, reading on your phone, or looking at a tablet while in your bed.

4. Exercise

It sounds crazy to exercise when you are already so tired, but studies have shown that exercising helps the body get on a better sleep schedule. While some people avoid exercising close to bedtime, others find late night sessions help them fall asleep faster. Find what time works best for you and start a good workout schedule.

5. Perfect the temperature

It is much more difficult to fall asleep when your body is too hot or too cold. Maintaining a comfortable temperature will help your body relax fully. It is recommended to keep your body temperature between 65 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. At these temperatures, the body produces the maximum levels of melatonin, a hormone that controls your sleep schedule.

If you are still having trouble sleeping you can check out this list of extra tips or come see us at the office. We can help you find a solution that not only helps you sleep at night but gives you the energy to complete all of those tasks on the to-do list